GTO Poker Theories - Via Negativa
Removing what doesn't work is a much better strategy than trying to add new things to your poker game.
One of the real gifts poker has given me is that it has been a great jumping-off point to learn things from other disciplines like economics, AI, psychology, and Game Theory. So here is a series of articles where I bring some of the most interesting things I have learned from other subjects outside of poker which are applicable to this game we know and love.
Most people try to improve their lives by adding more—more habits, more routines, more tools. Via Negativa flips this approach on its head, arguing that the best way to improve is by removing what doesn’t work. Instead of searching for the perfect productivity system, stop wasting time on social media. Instead of hunting for the ideal diet, just cut out processed sugar and junk food. Progress isn’t always about addition; sometimes, it’s about subtraction.
Consider health. People chase supplements, complex workout programs, and expensive fitness gadgets, yet the biggest improvements often come from removing harmful behaviours. Quit smoking, stop drinking sugary sodas, and eliminate late-night junk food binges, and you’ll likely see better results than any new superfood or trendy exercise plan could offer.
The most efficient organisations are usually the ones that strip away unnecessary bureaucracy. Steve Jobs, when he returned to Apple in 1997, didn’t introduce a bunch of new products—he cut their bloated lineup down to just four core items, allowing Apple to focus and thrive.
A more relatable example if you ever watch the Gordon Ramsey show where he fixes failing restaurants is that more often than not he reduces the menu to maybe four meals. This means the chef can specialise, the customers make easy decisions and costs are greatly reduced.
Remove your biggest leaks
This reminds me of the best advice I think Jared Tendler has ever given, which is most people should use study to remove their biggest leaks at the table, rather than learn to 'crush' with advanced plays.
Our biggest leaks probably cost us the most, from an EV perspective removing them is probably the most profitable thing we can do.
We know what our biggest leaks are, so they are easy to identify. We don't have to spend any time trying to figure out what we need to work on next.
Perhaps crucially, our biggest leaks cause us the most mental anguish. So fixing them may also indirectly fix our biggest mental game issues by default, putting somebody like Jared out of business.
In the modern game of GTO solvers, it might be tempting to watch Tritons and use these tools to learn why Adrian Mateos did what he did, but they are much better used as a way of avoiding making huge errors.
What theories from outside of poker have helped your game? Let us know in the comments.
